Tag: Skillman

Rainy Day

I had lunch with Chris Boraski last week. Over slices of pizza we chatted about work, entrepreneurship, kids, etc. It was nice. I've lived in Skillman for over twelve years and I still don't know too many techies who live in my neighborhood who I can hang out with during the day. Chris is the Founder at [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent="yes" overflow="visible"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_size="" border_color="" border_style="solid" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="no" center_content="no" min_height="none"][InfAspire](http://infaspire.com), a mobile software and web development company. After lunch I drove up to the Chris' neighborhood where he suggested that I could get some interesting shots of the river/stream that runs right behind his home. It was a rainy day and the local streams were flowing rapidly. I ended up driving a mile or two further up the road where I took these shots.

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Sylvan Lake

Starting the job search after ten years with the same company can be mentally exhausting. I've spent time thinking about what should and shouldn’t be in my resume — searching online for work that matches my skills and interests. I've also been thinking about whether or not I want a full-time job or rejoin the ranks of the freelancers. With so much going on, my mind was a jumble. I needed to clear the machine. I decided to take a drive to Skillman Park and walk about a bit.

Skillman Park is one of Montgomery Township's newest parks.

The property originally consisted of three large farms. These lands were purchased by the State of New Jersey for the establishment in 1898 of the “New Jersey State Village for Epileptics” at Skillman, during a time when there was no known treatment for epilepsy. The village layout was designed by noted Landscape Architect/Engineer Charles W. Leavitt in 1901. For many years it operated as a self-contained “town” that consisted of hospitals, housing, farms, maintenance areas, schools, a theatre, a power plant, a wastewater treatment facility, cemeteries, and an on-site landfill. It was one of the first such facilities in the United States.

In the mid-twentieth century, with the discovery of medicines for the treatment of epilepsy, the facility’s focus shifted, and it became the New Jersey Neuropsychiatric Institute. Most recently, and until 1998, the property was known as “North Princeton Developmental Center” or NPDC, a New Jersey Department of Human Services’ residential psychiatric care facility.

I parked my car on one section of the Lakeview Drive circle and walked down one of the abandoned roads. I’m pretty sure I wasn’t supposed to be there but … I was hoping to find something interesting. I did. I found Sylvan Lake.

The lake was very dry, but I could imagine that it must have been quite full during recent storms and its banks were deep. I spent a few minutes sitting on piles of broken concrete stairs into the lake and past it into the horizon. The air was crisp and refreshing, with a slight breeze. I found the quiet I was seeking.

The image is a three-bracket HDR (Photomatix Pro). I applied the FixelPix “Grit” free Lightroom preset and then some additional work in Nik Software's Silver EFX Pro 2.

Healing in Nature at Hobler Park

This wasn't just a walk.

Yesterday's walk around Hobler Park near The Great Road in Skillman was a delightful escape from the everyday hustle. I was joined by Bhavana, Kiran, and a warm-hearted cluster of area residents. We all found solace under the open skies. Bhavna's sister and my other in-laws were among us, infusing the day with familial warmth.

As we meandered through the trails, our steps mixed with the rustling whispers of the dried grass underfoot, Terry Lynch, a renowned author and international speaker, guided our thoughts towards nature's healing effects. She illuminated the concept of nature as a conduit for vitality, inviting us to draw from its energies.

Terry spoke of stress and anxiety, not as burdens we must carry but as fleeting shadows dispelled by the light of nature. She encouraged us to breathe deeply, let the crisp air cleanse our worries, and let the serenity of our surroundings seep into our souls.

And so, we stood quietly, amidst the grassy fields, raising our hands skyward, emulating the trees around us. It was more than a mere gesture—a moment of unity, a collective release of pent-up emotions, and a shared rejuvenation. It felt as though with every breath, we were restored and intertwined with the pulse of life that thrummed beneath our feet.

We departed with more than just memories; we left with spirits lightened, minds clear, and hearts full of the healing power of nature.

Week 9 - Healing in Nature · 3 March 2013 · Nikon D40 · 35 mm f/1.8
Week 9 - Healing in Nature · 3 March 2013 · Nikon D40 · AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G
Nikon D40 + 35 mm f/1.8 @ 35 mm, f/7.1
Week 9 - Healing in Nature · 3 March 2013 · Nikon D40 · AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G
Week 9 - Healing in Nature · 3 March 2013 · Nikon D40 · AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G
Week 9 - Healing in Nature · 3 March 2013 · Nikon D40 · AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G
Week 9 - Healing in Nature · 3 March 2013 · Nikon D40 · AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G
Week 9 - Healing in Nature · 3 March 2013 · Nikon D40 · AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G
Week 9 - Healing in Nature · 3 March 2013 · Nikon D40 · AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G
Nikon D40 + 35 mm f/1.8 @ 35 mm, f/2.8
Week 9 - Healing in Nature · 3 March 2013 · Nikon D40 · AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G